How MNINEDESIGNS got started
Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?
My name is Mike, and I’m the owner of MNINEdesigns. A shop created to offer digital paper and clipart illustrations. I’m a freelance Graphic Designer and Illustrator. When I came upon Etsy, I was intrigued by the opportunity to run a storefront-style business that was still rooted in the realm of design and illustration. It’s been a blessing, as it has provided a steady source of income to complement my freelance endeavours.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My personal favourites are the Art Deco designs. I grew up in a city that has a rich history dating back to the Art Deco era of the 1920s and absolutely love the style. These do tend to sell fairly well, as I was one of the first on Etsy to offer such designs. These are designs that I utilised to create a sister shop offering Wedding and Party Sign Downloads in the Art Deco style.
Getting sales on Etsy
How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?.
As soon as I listed my first item, I had two sales that day. It was very exciting to see that there was someone out there who took an interest in something that I had created. Unfortunately, this was short-lived, as it was followed by two weeks of no sales at all. However, I had faith that if I pressed on, the sales would come. After getting through the first two weeks, things started to grow. In these early days, attracting customers came only from listing at least one new item each day and utilising Etsy Ads. Over time, I’ve developed a strategy for using Pinterest to attract new customers.
Managing MNINEDESIGNS
How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?
My shop has always been a personal venture. As much as it is a business, it has always been an outlet for my own creativity. I can’t truly say that it's only me, though. I have four kids who have always been great at suggesting ideas.
The future of MNINEDESIGNS
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
My main goal has always been to remain relevant in the market so that this business and creative outlet of mine can continue. It’s a pleasurable experience to create based on your own vision and see others benefit from that. Seeing some of the creative projects that customers have been able to produce with the artwork from my store brings greater joy than anything.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Attracting customers to your shop will always be the most important thing. Advertising and social media are valuable, but having products that stand out and are worth buying should be the priority. Quality over quantity will pay off over time. Keep your mind open to seeing changes in the needs of the market and what customers are looking for. Whatever you do, don’t lose faith. If you keep working towards a goal, you will find a way to get there.
Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.
Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: $2000
Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 70%
Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 2%
MNINEDESIGNS
Clipart Illustrations, Digital Paper & Printable Art
